An Upper Peninsula Indian tribe is planning to build a new $245-million casino in Lansing, but like a proposed gambling hall in Flint Township, it faces stumbling blocks, according to this story from The Detroit Free Press.

"The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians will detail its plans
for a Kewadin Casino in Lansing this morning," the story says. "Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero
said the casino would bring jobs and economic spin-off to a city that
has struggled through Michigan's economic downturn."

The report says the casino would face many of the same problems as plans for a Flint Township casino, including opposition from outstate tribal casinos and unsecured federal approval.

The Bay Mills Indian Community purchased land in Port Huron, Flint Township and Vanderbilt, just north of Gaylord, in recent years with plans for building casinos.

"Bay Mills has tried to argue that, because it purchased those properties with proceeds from a land dispute with the federal government, the sites should be declared American Indian land legally eligible for casinos. Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette opposes the argument," the story says.